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John C. Kimbrough
Thailand
63 Posts |
 Posted - Mar 24 2006 : 9:13:30 PM
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Thankyou for the insightful reply Louis
John C. Kimbrough |
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John C. Kimbrough
Thailand
63 Posts |
Posted - Mar 24 2006 : 9:15:19 PM
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Ingredients for Suffering: Conditioning, Ignorance, Attitude
Suffering in our life is caused by three major things, those being our conditioning, ignorance and attitude.
These three things work in unison to both create and intensify one’s suffering.
Conditioning means our experiences in life, both those that have happened only on one occasion, or those that have been constant and daily.
If an individual man or woman has been sexually abused in some manner on one occasion the conditioning from that may be less negative then if someone has been constantly ridiculed or demeaned on a daily basis over a number of years.
Conditioning can be very subtle or overt and in conjunction with ignorance can be potentially deadly to the mind, spirit and body, as we start to believe the negative and adverse thoughts, feelings and behaviors that we exhibit as a result of that conditioning as signifying who, what and how we are.
Ignorance keeps us from seeing our own true wealth and potential, not in a material sense, but in terms of our mind and spirit.
Ignorance keeps us from seeing that we can be loved and love, without having to use drugs or be part of a gang or clique, or look for love, friendship and acceptance through sex.
Ignorance can keep us from seeing that the anger and confusion that we may feel at present can be dealt with and let go of, and understood as a form of energy that can be changed into something more constructive.
In Yoga and Buddhism, ignorance means that we are not mindful that the pure energy within can be accessed and developed and that we can strive for in a fruitful manner and reach enlightenment.
Our conditioning and ignorance are those things that have a major influence on our attitude.
We can come from a wealthy, privileged and educated background and have a poor attitude, or come from poverty and the slums and have a good attitude.
Our attitude can make us look at suffering as being part of life or look at suffering as something that is being unfairly out upon us.
Our attitude can make us give up and be angry, cynical and pessimistic about the world, people, and our life and effort, or allow us to see the light within, the light in others and the light at the end of the tunnel.
Our attitude is what allows us to put forth the effort to change things for the better or keeps us and drags others down into the abyss that we think of as being the reality of life.
Attitude is so important because it is the ingredient that we have some control over in life, whereas past conditioning and ignorance can not be changed, but only understood.
With this understanding in mind, we all benefit when we examine to some degree what our current attitude is and that it can be changed or developed to something better or higher.
©2006 John C. Kimbrough/Yoga is for Better Health and Living
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John C. Kimbrough
Thailand
63 Posts |
Posted - Mar 24 2006 : 9:16:01 PM
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Flexibility, Mindfulness and Spirituality – Is there a Relationship?
Though this writer is a strong believer in the power of Yoga to make an individual mentally and physically healthier and bring about a positive evolution to their mind and consciousness, I continue to be impressed with the amount of mindfulness, wisdom and kindness among people who have never done any kind of Yoga at all.
Perhaps what this shows us is that the flexibility of a person is not representative of how mindful or spiritual a person can be or has become.
At the same time, those who do practice the physical aspects of Yoga on a regular basis find that as they continue with their practice, they do experience an ongoing unfolding of what may be described as a new and pure energy that has as its constituents mental states such as mindfulness and concentration.
Of course, living in the world that we live in, it is easy to get caught up in an egotistical state of mind and point of view because of what we can do with our body.
In Yoga, practitioners should never allow themselves to go down this path.
Instead we want to remember that we use the body as a way to see the mind and work with it while cultivating thoughts, words, actions and behaviors that are built around and on morals and ethics such as non – violence, honesty, non – greed, contentment, loving - kindness and austerity, among others.
It seems that many people in this world are thankfully already in such a state or well on their way to it, while others need to do a great deal of work in order to get to such a state.
We know that the flexibility that we achieve in our body is healthy to bring about, but it in itself is not representative of an individual being mindful or spiritual.
Mindfulness and spirituality is something that is brought about through a contemplative nature and humility in addition to being able to see the goodness, potential and suffering of others in the world, and acting on that in ways that are wise.
©2006 John C. Kimbrough/Yoga is for Better Health and Living
John C. Kimbrough |
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John C. Kimbrough
Thailand
63 Posts |
Posted - Mar 24 2006 : 9:16:38 PM
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Yoga: Understanding That The Disturbed Person is Not a Bad Person, But Just Possesses A Disturbed State of Consciousness, Part 2
In understanding that a person can possess a disturbed state of mind and consciousness, we understand that the amount of money they have, their status in society and their educational achievements are not necessarily things that will automatically bring them wisdom, happiness, joy or contentment in life.
In fact, they may instead become overly attached to these things and chase them excessively, along the way becoming less content and greedier and further losing mindfulness.
They may also have personal issues regarding life and what brings them fulfillment in life that may create problems for them.
When one observes the actions of mankind, both his own and others, both past and present, both among the rich and poor, we find that people of all walks of life can become disturbed and distracted and lack any kind of insight or wisdom as to how to proceed along the journey of life.
We also see that there are many, many things in our environment that may confuse us or lead us astray promising us things in subtle and overt ways that we think will bring us fulfillment or happiness, but in practice can just further confuse, and in many cases hurt us.
What Yoga suggests that we do in order to lesson the harmful affects of a disturbed consciousness and make it one that is more steady and balanced is that we slow down, take a look at our priorities, interests, and the social and cultural environment in which we live, and bring a few new attitudes, actions and ways of living into our lives.
Yoga also wants us to understand that we should not feel guilt or shame or be sorrowful and despairing because of our state of consciousness.
Yoga teaches us that many of these things that we think and feel are as a result of our ignorance while we were and are conditioned by a host of external factors that we lack mindfulness about or were and are beyond our influence or control.
We may grow up in and be raised by parents that are neglectful or abusive or live in a culture where a man is only measured by and measures himself his money, material wealth and status.
We may also be led astray to think that the sexual and sensual gratification of our own desires is what is most important, thereby proceeding on a course of action and living that is habitually exploitive or disrespectful of others and also makes us lose mindfulness about the simple yet important things and actions in life that we can get wisdom and joy from each day.
What is most challenging for one who possesses this disturbed state of consciousness is to be able to look at themselves in an objective manner and being able to see that they could use some kind of assistance or change in the way they use their life energy and experience.
This change may consist of going to see a medical professional and being challenged in such a manner or may consist of learning a few new things about how to live in a way that allows the consciousness to undergo a purification and balancing.
Yoga tells us that its practices and disciplines, performed mentally, verbally, physically and behaviorally to both oneself and others will bring about such a purification and balancing.
©2006 John C. Kimbrough/Yoga is for Better Health and Living
John C. Kimbrough |
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John C. Kimbrough
Thailand
63 Posts |
Posted - Apr 18 2006 : 12:33:31 AM
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Your insight and mindfulness is something that I can appreciate Louis
John C. Kimbrough |
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John C. Kimbrough
Thailand
63 Posts |
Posted - Apr 18 2006 : 12:34:31 AM
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Regarding Oneself, Part 1 - This Opportunity
“Do Not Let Slip This Opportunity for Spiritual Growth” - Dhammapada 22:10
Our life can easily become one of pursuing comfort and pleasure.
With that and the conditioned state influenced by our cultural environment, past experiences and ignorance, we can find ourselves engaging in the same habits and routines day in and day out, sometimes finding ourselves to be bored, confused or dissatisfied with the way things are.
It does seem that many of the people living in both developing and developed countries throughout the world live a life built around the daily use of and indulgence in drugs or drinks, while others are always close to anxiety and anger.
Others live a life that is built on deceit or may even border on or consist of criminal activity.
This Buddhist scripture wants to remind us of two things.
The first is that life provides us with a great opportunity for spiritual growth.
Almost all people do have some free time each day of their life to take advantage of this opportunity, but instead choose to use it, or are habituated to using it through the pursuit of pleasurable and comfortable feelings.
If we have the time to watch television each day, or hang out with our friends drinking beer and talking trash, we certainly have the time to do things that will bring about spiritual growth.
And we are reminded that not only is this an opportunity for spiritual growth, but that we should not let it slip by.
Why is it that at the end of each day, we find ourselves retiring to our bed feeling lonely, or drunk, or still angry, hurt and confused about something that happened during the day or twenty years ago?
Does sex or the other pleasurable experiences that we can have in our life bring us a kind of momentary escape from deep - seated feelings of dissatisfaction or fear that we can not shake?
Are we getting addicted to both those things that we seek out for pleasure and these deep - seated feelings of dissatisfaction or fear to the point that they control our mind and in many respects weaken it?
If we let this opportunity slip by, will we still find ourselves thinking, speaking and acting in the same way five, ten or twenty years from now?
Will things be even worse, and will we find it more difficult then to find peace and meaning in our life?
The answer to these two questions is most likely yes.
We want to try to make a sincere attempt to take advantage of the opportunity that our life, our economic and social environment and our individual freedom offers us each day.
This lovely and wise Buddhist scripture wants us to understand that each day, in fact each mental, verbal and physical action provides us with an opportunity to grow in a new way, a way that can be interesting and a joy to experience, while at the same time making us healthier and more focused, and improving our interactions and relationships with all people.
©2006 John C. Kimbrough
John C. Kimbrough |
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John C. Kimbrough
Thailand
63 Posts |
Posted - Apr 18 2006 : 12:35:25 AM
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Regarding Oneself, Part 2 – We Have to Strive Diligently
For those individuals who wish to learn and grow through and from the disciplines of Yoga, Buddhism, Christianity, or any other path or religion, their practice is one of working diligently and continuously striving to do those things that are asked of them to do.
We need to strive to learn those things that are taught to us.
We need to strive to understand what those things are.
And then we need to strive to apply those teachings and disciplines in our thoughts, words and actions.
Surely, our practice is one of striving.
Our study of the Yoga and Buddhist scriptures remind us of this again and again.
If we think that all we have to do is bow down to Jesus, make offerings to the monks and devote ourselves to one teacher or Guru, we may wonder why we still suffer from time to time, or do not come to that state of wisdom, clarity and mindfulness that we have been promised.
This is because a practice that involves things such as this is not really one of striving, but one that is somewhat lazy or not applied with the breadth and width that it should be.
Buddhism promises us that it is wisdom that will free us from suffering, as we will live a life alone and with others that keeps us away from those thoughts, words and actions that will lead to suffering.
We are advised to “strive hard and become wise” (Dhammapada 18:4) and that “you yourselves must strive, the Buddhas only point the way” (Dhammapada 20:4).
In Yoga, we are told that we must “diligently strive” (Bhagavad Gita 6:45) and that it is not enough to just strive but that we must “strive through proper means” (Bhagavad Gita 6:36), the proper means being the various teachings and disciplines that are taught in the scriptures.
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali also call attention to this approach to practicing when in Chapter 1, verse 12, we are told that the mental modifications, those tendencies and fluctuations of mind and consciousness that create suffering and it is our objective to weaken and restrain are controlled and contained by “abhyasa” or repeated practice.
Repeated practice means a constant striving to reach an objective or goal.
When we start our practice of Yoga, Buddhism or any religion or faith, our conditioned tendencies will create obstacles to making quick progress and making this constant practice and striving part of our life.
This is understandable and also shows why it may be beneficial for people who are new to Yoga or Buddhism or struggling with making these disciplines part of their life to make some sort of commitment to weekend retreats or time in an ashram or temple, especially one where there is a set routine and schedule that includes daily meditation and Yoga posture practice.
When we start to strive diligently to do something that can be as demanding and challenging as working with the mind and body on daily basis, not only does it bring about short and long - term psychological and physiological changes that are healthy, but it also changes our attitudes to and perceptions of other aspects of our life.
We have greater confidence regarding ourselves and others, more energy and the ability to apply that energy in a constructive manner, and more insight as regards all aspects of the experience of life.
The cornerstone of our practice and the foundation for progress in it will come from striving.
©2006 John C. Kimbrough
John C. Kimbrough |
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John C. Kimbrough
Thailand
63 Posts |
Posted - Apr 18 2006 : 9:11:21 PM
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Regarding Others, Part 1 - Feeling Their Pain, Feeling Their Pleasure
Our practice of Yoga, Buddhism or any other spiritual path and discipline can be thought of consisting of two major things, those being how we live as individuals, alone and away from others, and how we perceive, act, react and interact to and with others, be they family, friends, work colleagues or complete strangers.
Since we are putting forth the idea that this is what one’s practice consists of, it may be useful for us to take a closer look at how we are being instructed to regard others.
In doing such a thing and looking at and comparing Yoga, Buddhist and Christian scriptural authority we may be both pleasantly surprised and enlightened to see that the guidance and advice that we are given is similar or the same.
In realizing this, we may be better equipped to go beyond any kind of ignorant attachment to our particular spiritual path, way, discipline or religion as being the best, and make a solid move to something greater in our understanding of humankind on an international and universal level.
The concept and practice of compassion is one that is put forth in Yoga, Buddhist and Christian teachings.
In fact, it is both wisdom and compassion that we strive for in our practice of Buddhism, while Yoga specifically mentions the practice of compassion as being one of the ways in which “the mind becomes purified” (Yoga Sutras of Patanjali 2:33).
Compassion also forms a centerpiece in the Christian teachings and gives us the foundation for love and charity to all. Love and charity are regarded as being virtues more valuable then faith (1 Corinthians 13:13).
In being compassionate, we look at others with an understanding as to their uncomfortable or painful feelings of suffering, and attempt to act on that in a way that may alleviate those feelings or suffering.
Some of us, or sometimes all have at one time or another thought that we can not be bothered by such a thing and that it is better to pursue our own interests and pleasures.
At other times we may have felt great compassion for another, but not been able to act on that compassion in a meaningful way, or perhaps were anxious about how to act on it and what would be the reaction to our action.
When we are or have been such a way, we close ourselves off from the opportunity to learn more about ourselves and open up that part of our mind and heart that not only can bring love, understanding and hope to others, but can also elevate ourselves to a wiser place and state of mind, consciousness and living.
The two scriptures below, one from the Christian Bible and one from the Bhagavad Gita advise us as to how the practice of compassion can manifest itself and are the same in how they suggest that we act and behave.
“Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep” states Romans 12:13, while The Bhagavad Gita 6:32 teaches us to “regard every being like oneself and feel the pain and pleasure of others as one’s own”.
They look like they are saying and teaching the same thing to me.
How about you?
To be such a way to our fellow man is not being weak, but is being human.
To be such a way to our fellow man is not being ignorant but instead being mindful.
To be such a way to our fellow man is not making us suffer, but instead allowing us to better understand that we are all the same, and that regardless of what we do, we can not escape from certain realities about life.
These realizations can then help us regard others with greater compassion and understanding in both our actions and reactions to them.
In addition we start to see and understand that scriptural injunctions and living a truly spiritual, wise and compassionate life are not really so different among those who think of themselves as being a Yoga practitioner, Buddhist practitioner or a follower of Jesus and a Christian.
©2006 John C. Kimbrough
John C. Kimbrough |
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John C. Kimbrough
Thailand
63 Posts |
Posted - Apr 18 2006 : 9:12:08 PM
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Regarding Others, Part 2 - Serving Others
Our life and our spiritual practice involves who and how we are when we are alone and who and how we are when we are with others.
The teachings of both Yoga and Buddhism directly or by strong implication are teaching us this.
The yamas of Yoga are those disciplines that we apply in our relationships with and to others, while the niyamas are those disciplines that we apply to ourselves.
The disciplines taught in The Noble Eightfold Path of Buddhism focus on both individual practices such as right understanding, right intention, right mindfulness, right effort and right concentration, and universal practices such as also once again right intention, in addition to right speech, right action, and right livelihood.
Regardless of how one wants to categorize these disciplines, they all have a two - fold objective, that being the weakening and elimination of suffering within and a harmonious and respectful interaction with others.
Regarding others, various verses from those scriptures that are considered to be the authority behind our practice tell us again and again that we want to live a life that involves serving others.
In Paul’s letter to the Galatians in the New Testament, we are advised to “do good to all” (6:10) and “serve one another through love” (5:13), while the Bhagavad Gita instructs us to “be engaged in the welfare of all beings (5:25),
“work for the welfare of the society” (3:25) and “perform your duty….for the universal welfare of the society” (3:20).
To serve others does not mean that we have time go to any extreme or make a great change in our life. Why go to Cambodia or Somalia to ease personal, environmental and situational suffering, when there is very likely some in our own neighborhood or country?
Why feel special about oneself because of one’s ability to love and give while condemning or looking down on others because they are not at the same level of understanding at the need for such a thing, when instead one can listen to and respond in a respectful and understanding manner to the feelings and problems of all people?
And serving others can mean just serving those in our family and community and among our friends in daily ways that are not grandiose but still enlightening and helpful.
And for many of us, serving and loving others may mean nothing more then going about our business on a daily basis in a manner that does not disturb or condemn another.
The reason for serving others is not only to help them survive, live and have a better life, but to allow us as individuals to grow in a joyful way through the experience of giving.
Serving others purifies ourselves and makes us wiser, as we become more mindful about the things that we have to be thankful for, thereby cultivating contentment and non - greed, while at the same time strengthening tendencies to non – violence, honesty, and non – appropriation of other’s possessions.
When we are new to Yoga, Buddhism or any other discipline or religion, we may not know how to serve, or our attempts to serve may be met with ridicule or condemnation.
We should not stop or give up, but instead be patient and look for the person or persons that will help us learn how to serve and give us the opportunity to serve.
Through serving others out of love, not out of a desire to become famous or be looked on by others as being a special or good person, we will grow and learn how to serve with greater wisdom, in a way that does not compromise our own resources, health and happiness.
If we are in some manner hurting ourselves in our service to others, or serving others while under a great deal of chronic anxiety or confusion, it is better to work on ourselves further first so that when we do give and serve, we will do it with wisdom and joy.
©2006 John C. Kimbrough
John C. Kimbrough |
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John C. Kimbrough
Thailand
63 Posts |
Posted - Apr 24 2006 : 10:14:27 PM
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Yoga and Buddhism: Its about Making Our Mind Our Friend
Growing up in Brooklyn, New York in the 1950’s and 1960’s was ok. I have no complaints about living in a rough or poor neighborhood, because I did not. Brooklyn and New York City was a beautiful and wonderful place and city then, just as it is now.
But when I did live there as both a child and teenager, I was not mindful about something that I am now, that being that it is man’s mind that determines their perceptions and feelings and that we do not always see or understand this, so that even if we have a lot of wonderful things in our life, or live in a wonderful place, we still may be confused or lost.
When we are in such a state, our mind can be our enemy, leading us into more distracted and disturbed states of thinking, feeling, speaking and acting.
Yoga and Buddhism suggest that we do not blindly chase our desires and pleasures, which can be temporary, addictive and sometimes hurt ourselves and others in ways that we do not always know, but instead that we try to cultivate a purity of energy, mind and consciousness, and wisdom. With wisdom we see things clearly and live a better life. With wisdom our mind becomes our friend, not our enemy.
Yoga and Buddhism want us to make our mind our friend.
In thinking about my time in New York as a child and teenager, I now realize that almost everyone I met was dealing with suffering in various forms, and too many times, their reaction to suffering and dealing with it within led them to make other people suffer, or it was directed to themselves, so they were self - destructive in thought, word and action.
There were two women that I knew, from opposite ends of the economic and social divide, but they both had problems with life, which unfortunately like for so many in the present and past, led to their early death.
One was Judy, a well - educated and successful women in her forties, a professor at a prestigious local college, who for reasons we will never know, and can only speculate on, committed suicide in the prime of her life and career.
The other was Patty, a young uneducated women from the hills of the impoverished south, some might call her a hillbilly, who because of an abusive father, divorced parents, unhappiness with her looks and a drug addiction, eventually accidentally overdosed on heroin and died at the young age of about 21.
Perhaps in Judy’s case, a women who was educated and successful, her mind, in a state of longing or feeling that she was not whole or complete without a child or husband led her to a point where she could no longer bear living.
On the other hand, Patty suffered the results of a number of things that perhaps were not under her control and conditioned her mind to think in a poorly operating state. This led her to use drugs and eventually led to her death.
For both of them, their minds were not their friends, but instead masses of matter and energy which worked in a way that made them suffer, worked against them, worked as their enemies.
This is the way it is for many of us, and both the Buddhist and Yoga teachings and scriptures specifically state this.
“One must elevate, not degrade, oneself by one’s own mind. The mind alone is one’s friend as well as one’s enemy” – Bhagavad Gita 6:05
“The mind is the friend of those who have control over it, and the mind acts like an enemy for those who do not control it” – Bhagavad Gita 6:06
“Mind precedes all mental states. Mind is their chief: they are all mind wrought. If with an impure mind one speaks or acts, suffering follows one like the wheel that follows the feet of the ox” – Dhammapada 1:1
“Mind precedes all mental states. Mind if their chief: They are all mind wrought. If with a pure mind one speaks or acts, happiness follows one like one’s never departing shadow” – Dhammapada 1:2
When we practice Yoga postures, breathing techniques, relaxation techniques, and meditation on a regular or daily basis in addition to having healthy habits as regards our diet, sleep and leisure time and apply the other moral and ethical teachings of either Yoga or Buddhism we are both purifying the mind and consciousness and bringing it under our control.
Yoga and Buddhism have as their objective freedom from suffering, Their objectives are not to brainwash us, make us dogmatic or fanatical or blindly follow a teacher, or set of teachings. They only want us to free our mind from those things that create suffering. They only want to change something that can act as our enemy into something that can be our friend.
©2006 John C. Kimbrough/Yoga is for Better Health and Living
John C. Kimbrough |
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John C. Kimbrough
Thailand
63 Posts |
Posted - Apr 24 2006 : 10:15:11 PM
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This Old Pattern
“This is an old pattern, not one only of today” – Dhammapada 17:17
Some of us may remember the time leading up to the year 2000 and the new millenium, and how there seemed to be a sense of optimism that things were getting better for all of the people in the world and that we could all be free, enlightened and be able to drop into the neighborhood Starbucks for a cup of coffee anytime that we wished to.
There does not seem to be that sense of optimism or the security that goes along with it anymore, though thankfully for some, Starbucks is still there.
The fact is that the years go by and we think that things may be changing, but many times it is only the change in our material environment that is taking place.
A dirt road becomes an asphalt one, a wooden building becomes a concrete one, and an old car is replaced by a new one, but those things within our mind and consciousness that create unskillful living and suffering for ourselves and in our relationships with others go on and on.
It may take a fair degree of experience with life and the possession of mindfulness to see and understand this, that we as individuals are not the center of the world and universe, that we ourselves are very small and therefore should be very humble, and that others can experience joy and pain, wisdom and ignorance, just as we can.
The Dhammapada, being the wise and insightful set of teachings that it is, reminds us of this in this passage, that being that the way people and things are today, is the way that they have always been.
We may have fine homes and cars, but we can still get angry.
We may have computers, wide screen televisions and all sorts of other technological toys to play and communicate with, but we still get impatient.
And we may live in free and progressive democracies that provide us with many opportunities, but still feel lonely, isolated or confused about who we are and how we should think and act.
The teachings put forth in scriptural form in The Dhammapada, The Bhagavad Gita, The Yoga Sutras of Patanajali and the Holy Bible, among others, aim to assist us in finding a away to understand ourselves and others, and overcome those tendencies of mind, word and action that create disharmony within and with others.
They are there for us, always waiting and available for the time when we will learn from them and use the knowledge and wisdom within to make our lives better.
In doing this, we will see and understand that those things in the human psyche and experience that create problems and suffering, though they may never be stopped, can at least be dealt with in a manner that is constructive.
©2006 John C. Kimbrough
John C. Kimbrough |
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John C. Kimbrough
Thailand
63 Posts |
Posted - Jul 02 2006 : 9:28:39 PM
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Introducing Yoga to HIV Patients in Cambodia
Yoga can be taught, learned and practiced by almost
anyone who has a fair degree of energy, is not under
the influence of daily medication that produces side
effects such as dizziness or a loss of energy, makes a
dedicated effort to learn and practice it, and has not
suffered any kind of recent debilitating injury or
illness.
These were some of the things that this writer kept in
mind when he was recently asked to introduce Yoga
teachings and disciplines to a group of about 60
individuals who have been diagnosed as being HIV
positive and because their disease is not at an
advanced stage, are able to live a normal life except
for the fact that they must come to a local provincial
hospital in Cambodia once a month for their
medication.
As with all of our work related to the teaching of
Yoga, Buddhism and meditation in Cambodia, the class
was conducted free of charge and was approached with
an attitude of waiting and seeing how the learners
looked and responded before deciding what to teach on
both an intellectual and physical level.
Like the Buddha was in sharing his teachings with
those who wished to learn them, our approach to
teaching as teachers of Yoga and Buddhism should be
one that is built upon making adjustments based on an
intuitive assessment of the capabilities and needs of
those who come to our classes.
With this in mind, this writer had a general idea of
what he wanted to share with those in this class, but
did not arrive at a definite plan of teaching until he
was in front of the class and was able to look into
their eyes and gauge their interest and energy.
The students were taught six postures and one
breathing technique over a ten – minute. Each posture
was done only one time and the learners were asked how
they felt after each posture was performed.
Then the learners will given some material written in
Khmer that introduced them to the teachings and
disciplines of Yoga and asked to look it over at home
during their leisure time.
Then a demonstration of some other postures and
techniques was given in addition to further lecture
about why we learn and practice Yoga.
The response from the learners was polite and they
seemed generally interested. Some of them were also
able to experience a change in their energy level from
just what they learned and practiced in one day.
The learners were given information about how to
contact us and what we could provide for them in the
way of teaching them Yoga, both at their village and
place of residence or at the school that currently
serves as our office.
Though the whole session and meeting with these sixty
or so patients had been a short one, this writer came
away from the experience having been inspired by the
energy of these people and their sincere interest in
wanting to know and learn about those things that
could improve or stabilize their mental and physical
health.
It also reminded me that health is our greatest wealth
and gift and how we compromise it in our pursuit of
and at times addiction to and obsession with pleasure.
In addition, I became more mindful about how we forget
about the gift of life and our health as we pursue
those things based on our own greed and desire, while
instead we should and can make some effort to be more
mindful about ourselves and others and how we live,
what we think, what we say and what we do.
Our health is truly a gift and we can be unwise when
we use it in ways that are built on selfishness and
egoism or in ways that do not work to improve
ourselves.
©2006 John C. Kimbrough/Yoga is for Better Health and
Living/Providing free Yoga, Buddhism and meditation
classes and courses to the underprivileged,
disenfranchised and imprisoned in Cambodia
John C. Kimbrough |
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John C. Kimbrough
Thailand
63 Posts |
Posted - Jul 02 2006 : 9:31:44 PM
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Yoga and Buddhism – Having Fun with Mindfulness
Our image of religion, philosophy and Buddhism and
Yoga may sometimes be one that is overly serious or
somber.
Having spent time in various Yoga ashrams and Buddhist
temples and meditation centers, it does seem at times
that the prevailing emotion and attitude in them is
one of seriousness and silence.
In learning and practicing Yoga and Buddhism we wish
to liberate the mind and consciousness from those
things that create suffering. In order to do this we
do not need to engage in monastic silence and
seriousness throughout the day.
This writer is constantly involved in the study of,
reflection on, teaching of and writing about Yoga and
Buddhism on a daily basis, but also has a lot of fun,
fun with students, those he works with and teaches,
those he buys things from, and those he knows as
acquaintances and friends.
He can make jokes, laugh at and with others at
disappointments from the past and present, and not
worry when he is the butt of a joke either.
There is no reason why we should have less fun in life
or not be easygoing and enjoy situations, experiences
and people because we learn and practice Yoga and
Buddhism.
There is no teaching or discipline in either Yoga or
Buddhism that states that we must practice them with a
serious face or frown.
At the same time, there may be some reason for a
serious approach to our life and practice as we start
to make the changes in our life that they ask of us or
start to embark on the learning and practice of these
things, but we do not go through all of this effort
and mindfulness in order to be serious and somber
people. Why should we be when we have liberated our
mind and consciousness from those things that led to
suffering in the first place?
The lovely thing about this process and experience of
liberating the mind and consciousness is that we do
not need to engage in sensual pleasures, or use drugs
or drinks to feel free and be at ease.
The feeling of freedom and ease for the Yoga and
Buddhist practitioner comes from mindfulness,
concentration and an appreciation of many things in
life, such as what a gift it is and how we have
overcome so many things from our practice.
One verse from Buddhist scripture tell us that the
wise man rejoices in the Dhamma, The Dhamma meaning
the gift, teachings and disciplines of Buddhism.
This is quite true because the Dhamma serves as our
guide, our friend, our teacher and our path to better
health and living and greater mindfulness each day of
our life.
Wouldn’t such an experience and realization make one
happy and joyful?
So we wish to, as we continue to live our life based
on the teachings and disciplines of the dhamma, to
have fun. This experience of fun is not based on where
we go, what we do or who we do it with, but instead
based on the state of our mind and consciousness, that
being one that is focused and free.
©2006 John C. Kimbrough/Yoga is for Better Health and
Living
John C. Kimbrough |
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John C. Kimbrough
Thailand
63 Posts |
Posted - Jul 02 2006 : 9:32:25 PM
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Update on Yoga Education Project in Cambodia, June
27th, 2006
This writing will serve as an ongoing update on the
charity and volunteer work that this writer has been
doing in Cambodia over the last six months. It’s
purpose is to give information specifically to those
who have made donations to this work, have pledged
donations to this work, are interested in making such
a donation in the future, or have a general interest
in the work because they are also a volunteer, teacher
or practitioner of Yoga and Buddhism.
The information in it consists of work and activities
done during the latest trip to Cambodia during a
period lasting from June 4th, 2006 to June 23rd, 2006.
The main focus of our work has been the teaching of
Yoga, Buddhism and meditation in the provincial prison
five days a week and to drug and substance abusers
under the authority of the provincial police seven
days a week.
During the most recent visit there, there was an
attempted escape from a prison in a neighboring
province which resulted in the death of ten people,
nine prisoners and one guard. Because of this event
and other disturbances and escapes in other prisons in
Cambodia, there was some concern if we would be
allowed to continue with our work there. After some
initial discussion, it was allowed to continue but
then there seemed to be some concern on the part of
the prison director that I would not feel safe or
comfortable with my work in the prison any longer.
Since I had no negative feelings about continuing to
teach in such an environment, things are pretty much
the same as they always have been, though we think
there could be some changes in the future.
The class with the drug and substance abusers is quite
challenging as we have close to 100 students and only
45 minutes with which to teach them. It is also
recognized that some of the men do not want to learn
those things that we teach.
During this most recent trip we also introduced Yoga
to individuals who are HIV positive at the local
hospital. These are outpatients who come to the
hospital once a month for their medication and we have
been invited back to talk with them and teach them
again next month.
We have also made our number and location available to
them so that they can come by our office or contact us
to teach in their village.
We have also started to investigate the possibility of
teaching Yoga, Buddhism and meditation to the sex
workers in the small city where I do this work at
while in Cambodia.
In order to do this, we have networked with a local
organization that provides sex workers with condoms,
education regarding their work and transportation to
the local health clinic/hospital for monthly check
ups. Because there are a number of brothels in this
town, we feel that we need their assistance in
starting such a program instead of approaching it as
an individual. We are not sure at this time as to how
this idea will progress.
We have also started weekly Yoga classes at the school
that serves as my office in Cambodia and have
introduced and distributed information on Yoga to over
100 students.
We will during my next trip there have daily Yoga
classes each morning at 8 a.m. and are now in the
process of putting together material and charts for
these classes.
We have also started a free daily English language
class and teacher training program for three young
woman, all aged 17. They are high school girls from a
social and environmental background that is either
deprived emotionally or financially. We have focused
on them because of their interest in being an English
language teacher in the future and their current
ability at English.
One of the women in the class has no mother and a
father who is somewhat emotionally abusive to her,
while another young woman in the class does not have a
father.
The classes are free and we also provide material for
their self - study. We do this with the objective of
providing training and knowledge so that the women
will be able to secure employment in the future as
English language teachers, translators and
interpreters, or secretaries so that they can earn
some income for their families and themselves.
We are also in the process of distributing clothing
and small amounts of money to needy people and
families, focusing more on women in households where
there is no man and there is also a shortage of both
skills and money.
We continue to look carefully and act mindfully at how
we use the donations that we have been given in order
to do this work. The main areas that we use donations
for are for the purchase of mats for practicing Yoga
on and the creation of materials in the form of
handouts, charts and whiteboards that assist in our
teaching.
The teacher also continues to be mindful and careful
about how he uses donations in order to provide for
his living, eating and travelling/visa expenses to and
from Cambodia.
During this recent trip to Cambodia we also networked
with three NGO’s, one being CARE.
We were also invited to join an NGO that is already
established, and are in the process of assessing this
offer in order to make a wise decision regarding it.
If you are interested in making a donation to this
work, or need any more information regarding it and
what our various projects and objectives of those
projects are, please feel free to contact me at
johnckimbrough@yahoo.com.
This concludes this update on our work in Cambodia.
©2006 John C. Kimbrough/Yoga is for Better Health and
Living
John C. Kimbrough |
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John C. Kimbrough
Thailand
63 Posts |
Posted - Jul 02 2006 : 9:33:21 PM
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Flower Tipped Arrows – Part 1 - Sex
“Pluck out Mara’s flower - tipped arrows of
sensuality” - Dhammapada 4:1
In order to make the teachings and disciplines of
Buddhism a meaningful part of our life, we are advised
in the Buddhist Therevadan tradition to learn about,
understand and apply the disciplines put forth in The
Noble Eightfold Path of Buddhism.
An important aspect of these teachings is meditation.
The other thing that Buddhist teachers and masters
will advise us to do is to do some daily reading,
study of and reflection on the teachings put forth in
The Dhammapada.
The Dhammapada is a collection of 423 verses purported
by some to be the direct teachings and sayings of the
Buddha. These verses are spread out over 26 chapters
with titles such as “The Monk”, The Holy Man”, “The
Fool” and “The Mind”, among others.
A close inspection of and reflection on these various
chapters and verses show that they support those
aspects of Buddhism that are covered in The Noble
Eightfold Path of Buddhism.
For instance, In chapter one, entitled “The Pairs”,
aspects of Buddhist teachings and disciplines such as
the mind and mental defilements, hatred and non –
violence, and restraint and self – control are
referred to.
Verses in chapter ten, entitled “Violence”, support
aspects of The Noble Eightfold Path such right
understanding, right action and right speech.
The Dhammapada in one brief verse tells us that many
of those things that we find pleasing or pleasurable
can be in reality things that cause us pain and
confusion. These are referred to as “flower – tipped
arrows”.
Our discovery of what those flower tipped arrows may
be in our and other’s lives may be something that we
awaken to through getting older and experience in
life, or through a painful experience such as a
compromise of our mental and physical health.
One of the most powerful of these flower – tipped
arrows is and can be sex, sexual intercourse and other
sexually based actions and activities.
Why is this?
Because of sexual desire and sexual pleasure we can
get involved with people, and addicted to actions and
activities that are harmful to our mental and physical
health.
We may experience feelings of shame or guilt because
of our desires or because of how we act on those
desires.
We may be tempted to wander away from our home, wife
or husband, and family for something that is nothing
more then a temptation.
We may weaken our energy and unbalance our mind and
consciousness through the pursuit of or overindulgence
in sexual actions and activities.
Even if we are involved with one person, we may find
that our intimate involvement with them can lead to
obsessions or cultivate a lack of mindfulness about
how we are as individuals or as a couple.
Is our love, need and desire for them so strong or
blind that we are afraid or suspicious of others as a
couple?
Does it keep us from looking at ourselves in an
objective or mindful manner, seeing where they may be
a need for change?
Does it keep us from trying new things or meeting new
people?
Sex is an important and necessary part of life that
has in its roots both biological and emotional needs.
But in pursuing and experiencing it, we need to be
mindful about those aspects of it that may be
weakening us or leading us down a path that is marked
by unwholesomeness, unskilfulness and unhealthiness.
©2006 John C. Kimbrough/Yoga is for Better Health and
Living
John C. Kimbrough |
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Etherfish
USA
3615 Posts |
Posted - Jul 03 2006 : 10:31:04 PM
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"It is also recognized that some of the men do not want to learn
those things that we teach."
How do you deal with people who are insolent and disrespectful, and where treating them fairly and with love provokes them further? Ignore them? |
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John C. Kimbrough
Thailand
63 Posts |
Posted - Sep 24 2006 : 10:31:33 PM
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In Achieving Peace, We See Peace
As we move along the path of life, we sometime lose sight of or forget the many people who were kind to us or showed us a wise way to think, speak, act and live.
I have met such people in a wide variety of places and situations in this world, including in prison and on construction sites in Texas, mosques in Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Malaysia, schools in Cambodia, China, England and India and among the daily activity of shopping in markets and living in any number of countries, both east and west.
One educational institute that had a very positive effect on me and I came across at a time when I had just started to learn about Yoga and was seeking such a thing in my life was The Yoga Institute in Mumbai, India.
Their dedicated and devoted ability to teach and explain Yoga as a holistic practice for over seventy - five years has made them a famous and well – respected institute throughout India and the world.
From my first days and moments there in talking with students and teachers alike and reading their literature and monthly magazine “Yoga and Total Health”, I was easily able to grasp the essence of what Yoga is, that being that it was not something that was done with our body only or that progress in it was brought about or signified by what we did with our body, but that it had more to do with our thoughts, words and actions as both individuals and in our relationships with others.
My teachers there were people who I never saw perform any postures at all but instead were people who talked about a holistic approach to life based on things such as mindfulness, compassion, loving kindness and balance.
The practice of Yoga postures was explained and done as being one of many things to do in learning and practicing Yoga, not the only thing.
Charts, pictures and other graphics were on display throughout the institute that reminded us of what Yoga was in thought, word and action as individuals and to others. There were few pictures of postures and especially postures that were difficult or advanced.
One of the pictures that I saw there a number of times on charts and in books and magazines, depicted man in a number of mental states and how this caused him to see the world in a different light. Such a picture gave me a new understanding that was important for me to come to at that time in my life.
This picture has stayed in my mind over the years, because through the daily and ongoing study and practice of Yoga for the last 15 years, I have seen how it accurately reflects the change that we experience when we do Yoga.
When we clear up the consciousness and attain steadiness and peace within, we start to see it in others and the world.
In coming to such a state, we start to act and react to others in a more mindful fashion.
This mindfulness consists of things such as understanding, patience and compassion.
When we act and react to others in this manner, they will for the most part react in a similar manner.
In this way, we see why Yoga tells us that it can change the world for the better, because not only are we improving ourselves, but we interacting with others in a way that brings them respect and self – respect, and can enlighten them so that they enlighten themselves.
In achieving greater peace and harmony within, we see greater peace and harmony in others and the world and act on that in such as way as to nurture it.
Fear and anger is weakened and replaced with a sense of appreciation for life and an ongoing and habitual effort to nurture the gift of it in a positive direction.
The world and others is a refection of our own mind and consciousness.
As and when we clear up our own mind and consciousness, we see the world and others more clearly, in a way marked by understanding and compassion, not fear and condemnation.
©2006 John C. Kimbrough
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John C. Kimbrough
Thailand
63 Posts |
Posted - Sep 24 2006 : 10:32:14 PM
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Some Recent and Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Yoga and Buddhism
· What is the Purpose of Yoga and Buddhist Teachings and Disciplines?
The answer to this is both an easy and simple one, that being to weaken and alleviate those states of mind and consciousness, and words, feelings, actions, habits and behaviors that lead to suffering and replacing them with something more insightful, mindful, balanced and wiser.
· Do I have to make radical changes in my life in order to practice Yoga and Buddhism?
It will be different for each individual depending on their current habits and behavior.
· If I am a Christian, am I being sinful if I am interested in, learning and practicing either or both Yoga and Buddhism?
There is a possibility that some clergy and peers in your church may tell you such a thing but since both Yoga and Buddhism are approaches to living that have as their goal better mental and physical health and wiser and more enlightened and compassionate living, it is hard to see how Jesus would disapprove of one learning and practicing them.
· Do I have to go to India, Sri Lanka or Thailand to learn these things?
Certainly not. The teachings and disciplines of these spiritual approaches to life are universal in scope and not more strictly understood, adhered to or better taught by the people and cultures of the countries that were mentioned in the question.
· What are the basic guidelines for those of us who wish to learn and practice Yoga postures and meditation?
Try to practice at the same time everyday and do not force yourself into any postures that your body is not ready to do. Do not compare yourself to or compete with other people. In learning to meditate, learn and focus on cultivating a posture that is therapeutic, steady and comfortable. Do not eat any large or heavy meals for three hours before practicing.
· How do Yoga and Buddhist teachings and practices improve my life?
They make an individual more balanced and mindful which leads to wiser and healthier thoughts, words and actions in day to day living and life.
· Do I have to have a teacher in order to learn and practice correctly?
When one is new to these things, it is good to have a teacher, though with practice and the positive evolution that comes about from such a practice, individuals can proceed eventually on their own.
· How do I make sense of the various schools and approaches to both Yoga and Buddhism?
Basically through study and experience. It seems to be easy to get confused about all of this when one is new to it, but it is useful to remember that it is all based on the same foundation, that being meditation and posture practice, study, discipline, mindfulness, non – violence, loving kindness and compassion, among other things. To get lost in individual and man’s varying perceptions and interpretations of the teachings and disciplines of either or both Yoga and Buddhism can create confusion and waste time and energy. In some cases, it can even allow a person to lose interest in these things all together.
· Can I learn and practice either Yoga and Buddhism or both and still maintain my family life and friends?
The answer to this question is basically the same as the answer to the question above, that being of course.
There may be some change in your attitude that may bring about a change in how you see both yourself and other people, but such a change in attitude can come about to people who do not learn and practice these things. You will not grow to dislike or hate a person, but instead may feel that they the way that they think, speak and act is not in tune with your own interests or goals in life. You will relate to them with compassion and understanding, not, as mentioned previously, dislike and hatred.
You will most likely have greater patience with others and a greater desire to understand, assist and guide them if they need such a thing, be they family or friends.
· Why should I take the time and make the effort to learn and study the teachings and disciplines of Yoga and Buddhism?
You should not unless you are sincerely interested and ready to do such a thing. How we get to such a point may differ among different people dependent on age, conditioning, current habits and interests, economic and social environment, state of mental and physical health and mindfulness about one’s current feelings, achievements and place in life.
©2006 John C. Kimbrough
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John C. Kimbrough
Thailand
63 Posts |
Posted - Sep 24 2006 : 10:32:45 PM
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Twenty Years In Asia – Is There Greater Enlightenment Here?
The answer to this is unfortunately, a resounding “No”.
In saying such a thing, it is not meant to insult or denigrate the people, cultures and countries that make up this part of the world.
In all of the countries of Asia, just as in all of the countries of the North and South America, Africa, The Middle East and Europe, there are families and people that are more balanced and at ease then others, while some folks pursue life with a sense and in a spirit of greed, fear, anxiety and confusion.
Political systems, cultural values and economic and social environment have a major influence on how people think, feel, and act here just as in other parts of the world.
And unfortunately, just as in other parts of the world, religion and spiritual practices and disciplines have taken a back seat to an individual’s feelings and desire for sensual pleasure, material gain and face among their peers.
What may make things here different from the west is that whereas in the west, individuals seem to either embrace or totally disregard a religion, here in Asia, spiritual practices have become weakened by cultural values that make a person think that they are practicing what Buddhism or other religions teach, when in essence they are not understanding or applying their teachings at all.
It is expressed as being “natural” to pursue fame and fortune by any means, while Buddhism and other religious practices and disciplines are thought to be something that is only practiced by older people.
What this means is that in some cases Buddhism is not being practiced at all, but instead forgotten or overshadowed by cultural values and an individual’s greed and desires.
All of this can make an individual who is sincerely interested in learning or practicing Buddhism or another spiritual discipline subject to learning with little or no support, no being taught in a complete or comprehensive manner, or even being the object of derision from more materially minded and ignorant people.
Another unpleasant aspect of all of this has been a feeling among some that their individual country’s interpretation or practice of a religion or spiritual discipline is somehow more enlightened or accurate the other countries and people.
In this situation, we find that nationalism, prejudice, and the ignorant attachments of some lead them to a state of delusion that does not lead to any kind of progress in making the mind and consciousness wiser or clarified.
It is true that some people have started to look to religion and spiritual practices and disciplines with greater interest and a greater commitment as they have become more materially well off, or experienced some kind of personal crisis in their life.
If this means that they will engage in a long - term commitment to these things is not known.
It is also noticed by this writer that many people have lost interest in Buddhism and other religious approaches to life because they see, just as those in the west have seen, that much of what is put forth in public and in life is not in tune with these religions or spiritual disciplines.
They see corruption, dishonesty and abuse among the religious leaders and clergy.
They see attitudes among people who think of themselves as being Buddhists that are abusive to women and children and allow vices and criminal activities to go unchecked because of greed.
They see governments and countries pursue economic, domestic and foreign policies that are not built on compassion and respect, but instead are built on greed also.
So we have the somewhat ironic and amusing situation where westerners from a Christian environment in the west turn to Buddhism, while Buddhists from a primarily Buddhist environment in the east turn to Christianity.
All religions and spiritual disciplines can give people from all countries and walks of life guidance and support. It must be said that for some, a very high level of study, devotion and practice will be necessary in order to get the benefits and insight that they promise us, both in Asia and in other parts of the world.
©2006 John C. Kimbrough
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John C. Kimbrough
Thailand
63 Posts |
Posted - Sep 24 2006 : 10:33:17 PM
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Weakening Suffering and Attaining New States of Consciousness through Understanding and Practicing Karma Yoga
Yoga and Buddhism through their various teachings and disciplines wish us to attain a new state of mind, consciousness and being.
This new state can be described in an easy to appreciate two - fold manner as one that is free from the unskillful, unwholesome and unhealthy and one the consists of the skillful, wholesome and healthy.
What are some of the things that make up an unskillful, unwholesome and unhealthy state?
These are things such as fear, anxiety, greed, ill – will, anger, restlessness, worry, doubt and mental and physical laziness. None of these things result in a joyful life and in many cases can lead to a life that lacks direction and focus.
Such a person who is dominated by these states may experience a sense of being lost or even suffer from depression.
They may also be individuals who are only happy when their senses are stimulated in an enjoyable manner or experience pleasure.
Unfortunately such an approach to life can result in obsessions and addictions.
The skillful, wholesome and healthy states are ones marked by mindfulness, calmness, balance and focus. These states lead to wisdom, peace and joy in living.
With them comes a sense of acceptance, understanding and contentment, seeing that meaning in life can be attained through simplicity and a respectful and compassionate connection to others.
This connection does not have to be something that results in a monetary or sensual profit, but one that is based on the fact that we all share the common experience of life and what it brings our way.
A moment’s patience and compassion to others can make or break both our and their day, and perhaps life also.
What this all implies is that our action in both the moment and minute at hand and throughout our day and life is something that can be built outside the parameters of our own life and anxieties and directed in a way that assists others.
We do not have to be a doctor or do volunteer work with Oxfam or the Peace Corps, or work in areas of the world where death and deprivation are an ongoing event.
We can do it in the everyday experiences that our life brings our way, be it at work, at home with our family and friends or among our social circle and acquaintances. Perhaps it manifestation among those who we do not know, strangers, is most important.
This is referred to as Karma and in the Yoga framework of teachings, is known as Karma Yoga. In Karma Yoga, we give of ourselves unselfishly primarily for the good of others and the community as a whole.
In being such a way, we weaken and alleviate states of mind, consciousness and being within ourselves that are marked by selfishness, feelings of self – pity and being unfairly victimized or just an excessive desire for ego – gratification and pleasure.
We learn to see others as being people, perfect and imperfect humans like ourselves, instead of individuals to fear, trust, and conspire against. This is the change that practicing Karma Yoga brings about and it is worth working to and makes up a major part of our practice of Yoga or Buddhism, Christianity and Islam.
©2006 John C. Kimbrough
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John C. Kimbrough
Thailand
63 Posts |
Posted - Sep 24 2006 : 10:33:51 PM
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If We Lack Compassion, We Suffer
The ancient teachers of both Yoga and Buddhism knew that what they gave us in terms of a wiser heart and better health were built around the understanding and application of various ways in which to think, speak and act to both ourselves and others.
A major set of these practices was interestingly a part of both Yoga and Buddhist teachings and disciplines, in Buddhism being referred to as the brahmaviharas (divine abode) and in Yoga being referred to as the parakarmas (higher actions).
They each consisted of four ways to direct and build our thoughts, words and actions around, those being:
1. Loving kindness, friendliness
2. Compassion
3. Joy in another’s joy, success and virtue
4. Equanimity
In fact, various esteemed commentators on The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, one of the major scriptural teachings and authorities of Yoga refer to the results of their understanding and application in different ways.
Iyengar (1993) tells us that they result in “the consciousness becoming favorably disposed, serene and benevolent” while The Yoga Institute (1995) tells us that through them “the mind becomes clarified”.
Swami Prabhavanada (1947) teaches us that we attain “undisturbed calmness of mind” when we understand and apply them.
Swami Vivekananda (1998) refers to them as being mental, verbal, physical and behavioral disciplines that “pacify the citta” and Swami Aranya (1963) teaches is that by comprehending and practicing them correctly in all aspects of our being “the mind becomes purified”.
Regardless of which one of these interpretations one wishes to follow, they all mean the same thing, that being that our mind and consciousness can reach a new state marked by purity and calmness.
With purity and calmness the mind and consciousness also attains other states, such as one that is concentrated and balanced. It is in such a state that we, the matter and being that carries about and experiences the states of consciousness will suffer less.
Too many times our attitude to life is one based on ignorance. We do not give unless we are given, while many times if another is perceived as being rude to us, we are quick to return such an action to them.
Yoga and Buddhism are trying to teach us that as long as we lack compassion, we suffer in various ways.
One of these ways is a sense of isolation from others or an inability to feel and experience a connection with others who do meet our expectations or engage in the same attitudes and behaviors that we do.
Another is that we are not able to understand, appreciate or relate to the fact that all beings, rich and poor, educated and uneducated, black and white, and eastern and western have the same capacities as we do, those being to be generous, wise and kind, or to be disturbed, lost and at times, angry, mean and depressed.
To feel a sense of isolation from others is not something that is joyful and when we experience it on a daily or major basis, anxiety, lack of self – trust and confidence, worry and depression can easily follow.
Yoga and Buddhist teachings and an application of their disciplines provide us with an insight about ourselves and others that is both humbling and enlightening. This two - fold evolvement allows us to walk upon the world in a more gentle and patient manner, being more open to others and seeing that through being compassionate to them, we not only calm, pacify and focus our own being better, but also allow them to attain such a thing.
©2006 John C. Kimbrough
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John C. Kimbrough
Thailand
63 Posts |
Posted - Sep 25 2006 : 9:47:39 PM
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Its Not A Big House
During a recent walk down a street in the small Cambodian town that this writer does some volunteer work in with a young woman that I know there, I was surprised when as we walked by her house that she commented that is was “not a big house”.
Having had the opportunity to meet and know people who live in “big” houses, apartments and condominiums in various countries in the world, I have seen again and again that these people are not so concerned about where and how they live and that regardless of their somewhat big and luxurious surroundings they still had a number of issues, challenges and problems to deal with in life.
In some respects, their interest in and attachment to such a place to live was actually draining on them as far as finances and as far as energy.
It is somewhat ironic to see a woman complain about her life being so hard because she has to spend so much time keeping her big and luxurious house clean.
This idea that our life has to be one that consists of big and luxurious things is one that a Yoga or Buddhist practitioner may find hard to understand.
Too many times we seem to want things that are way beyond our need and may in some manner actually make us feel different or better then others, instead of allowing us to see others with greater understanding and clarity.
Our material possessions can through our attachment to them create states of mind that are not wise at all, such as fear and anger, or even make us feel that we are somehow more successful or better then others.
Yoga and Buddhism ask that we live a simple life and focus our time and energy on working on ourselves, study and performing our duty as regards our work, ourselves and our family.
If we are too caught up in social values that put forth the idea that we have to have more or the biggest, newest and best, we may never be satisfied of find any real satisfaction or peace in life.
In addition, in order to get those things mentioned above, we may habitually engage in attitudes and actions that are disrespectful and harmful to others, such as corruption, dishonesty and exploitation.
If we can understand the advantages of living a simple life and put aside social attitudes that tell us to consume and have more, we may experience a new state of mind that is marked more by contentment and peace, instead of one that is built around competitiveness and comparing ourselves to others.
©2006 John C. Kimbrough
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John C. Kimbrough
Thailand
63 Posts |
Posted - Sep 25 2006 : 9:48:13 PM
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There Are No Easy Answers For A Confused or Unbalanced Mind
It seems that most of us as human beings do want to assist others, but we are not always mindful and humble in how we do such a thing.
Someone may or may not be seeking our help and assistance and we give it in an aggressive, arrogant or critical manner.
Many times it is not enough just to tell someone what they should do.
Instead we need to help them discover on their own what is the best thing for them to do. This requires patience and sincerity and an ability to share that can be demanding and challenging, even at times painful.
Many times the problems that we face are made more complex because of the conflicting thoughts and feelings that we have.
We do not know what to do because we are not clear about what our intentions and purposes are.
Are we doing something or in such a state because it is best for us in the long – term, or to please someone else, or just to get attention from others?
We can use short - term advice to deal with immediate problems and situations, but over the long - term we need to think about making the foundation of our life and living, that being the state of our mind and consciousness, one that is more stable and balanced. If not, we are most likely to experience confusion and the results of our ignorant thoughts and feelings in the future again, perhaps with the same or even greater consequences.
Sometimes a painful experience can be the catalyst for change or just the gentle awakening that we need to lead us to a new direction in life.
One of the things that we can do to make our mind and consciousness one that is more focused and balanced is to be more mindful about what our habits are, especially regarding diet, sleep and how we use our leisure time.
Do we watch too much television or use a lot of drugs?
Is the company of a beer bottle and one or more others who feel the same way the most exciting or constructive thing to do with our free time?
Is the only thing that we are able to create with our mind, body and heart judgmental, critical and condemning comments and attitudes to others.
The work that is needed in order to get more focused and balanced begins with and is done within ourselves.
A lot of individuals in both the recent and distant past have found that the practice of Yoga and Buddhist disciplines, things such as postures, meditation and breathing techniques bring them a new focus and balance in their life.
To think of these things as being alien or foreign to one’s culture and country just sets up another obstacle, an obstacle of doubt, that makes it difficult to learn them with any kind of faith or discipline.
To think of them as being a religion or spiritual system that conflicts with our own religion or makes us somehow sinful in learning and practicing them can create greater ignorance then wisdom.
Those individuals who are deeply devoted to any kind of religion or spiritual practice know that they are meant to make us more open and compassionate to all, not to set ourselves apart from others in a manner that is suspicious, fearful or with a feeling that we are somehow superior then others.
Many of us to wish for a better state in our life. The ignorant ones cling to with defiance those unwholesome and unskillful ways of thinking, feeling, speaking and acting. In being such a way, the seeds are sown for a confused and unbalanced existence.
As we do get ourselves more focused and balanced, we will find that many of those thoughts and feelings that we had that caused so much pain had to do with ourselves and our actions and reactions to others.
As we start to find wisdom and truth within, we gain confidence and peace and the path to balance is being firmly tread upon.
We then start to rejoice in that and engage in ways to maintain and nurture that, seeing that peace and joy is not based on the external but on the internal.
©2006 John C. Kimbrough
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John C. Kimbrough
Thailand
63 Posts |
Posted - Sep 25 2006 : 9:49:39 PM
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Condemnation or Cool Insights and Advice?
This seems to be condemning world in which we live.
We condemn based on so many things, usually our own ignorance, our negative thoughts and feelings about ourselves, our unhappiness or lack of satisfaction with our own life situation, our inability to accept the realities of life, our desire to think that we are somehow more enlightened or better then others, or just our own tendencies to impatience and anger.
This writer has seen this tendency to condemnation in a habitual way among his family, friends, acquaintances, work colleagues, students and in intimate relationships with others again and again in various places of the world.
It is common in New York, Texas, Bangkok, Cambodia, Indonesia, Great Britain, and Singapore. It knows no bounds based on economic and social development. It is like the sun, air and wind, it is everywhere.
It seems to be something that we are most exposed to when we read the newspaper or watch the news, though it could be strongest within ourselves and among our own family, friends, and social circle.
Politicians seem to build much of their careers and life around an ability to say bad things about other people.
And of course, much of the crime and violence that is so common and widespread nowadays has at its source this tendency in people.
In Yoga and Buddhist teachings and among those who teach these things we hear a lot of reference to the unskillful, unwholesome and primitive mind. Sometimes we do not understand what this means or think that it is something that we do not possess or are not capable of.
When we habitually condemn in thought, word and action we are far, far away from having any idea of what it means to live life in a wholesome or skillful fashion or being able to learn and implement Yoga and Buddhist teachings and disciplines with any kind of success.
In condemnation we fail to implement a number of Yoga and Buddhist teachings and disciplines, such as right understanding, right intention, right speech, right effort, right mindfulness, non – violence, non – greed, purity, austerity and contentment.
What makes our tendency to condemning others in thought, word and action so unskillful and unwholesome is that it wastes energy and unbeknownst to the ignorant and unmindful, hurts us as individuals.
That same energy that is behind a condemning tendency can also be one that is behind a tendency to look more closely at others and those things that we condemn.
That same energy that is behind a condemning tendency can also be one that is behind a tendency to speak and act with greater patience and understanding.
That same energy that is behind a condemning tendency can also be one that is behind a tendency to offer cool insights and advice showing someone a way to the light, instead of perhaps keeping them in or criticizing them for the darkness that they are in at present.
The world is a troubled and confused place, perhaps more now then ever before. We think, speak, write and act with little mindfulness about what our thoughts, words and actions say about ourselves and others.
The word asshole has become common in how we think of and talk to and about others. We do not see other people as being troubled, confused or making an honest, sincere and ongoing effort to improve themselves, we see them as assholes.
Just the fact that such a word and the idea behind it has become such a common way of talking to and about others shows how far we have to go as individuals and a world to get to a better place. If we have a tendency to condemn others in any way, we are not doing to improve ourselves or the world.
Those who have made progress in their understanding and practice of Yoga or Buddhism know that they can not condemn because we are all defiled in our mind and as human beings.
Those who have made or wish to make progress in their understanding and practice of Yoga or Buddhism will be individuals who make use of their mental, verbal and physical energy to offer cool insights and advice and be a constructive and positive force in any situation and experience that they find themselves in.
©2006 John C. Kimbrough
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John C. Kimbrough
Thailand
63 Posts |
Posted - Sep 25 2006 : 9:51:21 PM
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Further Reflections on and Experiences in Teaching Yoga, Buddhism and Meditation to Disabled People in Cambodia
During this writers most recent trip to do his volunteer work in Cambodia, he met once again with the director of a center that teaches vocational skills to disabled people.
There are four of these centers at present in Cambodia, having been set up and financed through the fine work, effort and compassion of a doctor and associated friends and colleagues in Cambodia and Canada.
The organization operates under the acronym CWARS and more information about their work can be found through the internet.
The purpose of the center is to provide vocational training for those individuals who have suffered injury because of one the stupidest and most shameful inventions of mankind, the land mine.
In addition, other individuals who have disabilities because of birth, accidents or disease are allowed to come for training at the center.
My association with the center and its work started some seven months ago when I approached them and volunteered to come to teach sessions on Yoga, Buddhism and meditation to those at the center who might be interested in such a thing while I am in Cambodia.
We taught Yoga, Buddhism and meditation to the group of individuals who came for the training earlier this year and were impressed with their effort and interest.
The classes are held two nights a week in a large classroom. Mats are placed on the floor and this writer has a Khmer colleague who translates for him while teaching.
These classes are about 40 to 50 minutes long and since starting to teach them, have been a source of deep inspiration and satisfaction to the teacher.
We at first had to approach the teaching of the Yoga postures and techniques to the learners with great mindfulness, seeing that some were missing one leg, others were confined to a wheelchair, others were missing one hand or one arm and others suffered from varying disabilities such a partial blindness, a hunchback, or dwarfness.
We found that the best thing to do was not worry too much about their individual disabilities but to teach them the postures and techniques that we wanted them to learn and practice and let them on their own do the best that they could in doing them.
For poor and in some cases uneducated villagers, the effort and focus that is needed to learn and practice these techniques and postures can be demanding so our approach has been to let the learners make jokes, laugh and talk as they learn these things. We have found that eventually they all settle down as they experience the transformation of their mental and physical energy that Yoga brings them to.
There is something inspiring to see people with these disabilities put forth the effort to learn Yoga and Buddhism and they are appreciative of the opportunity.
Working with and teaching them provides this writer with an opportunity to reflect on many things about life, Yoga, Buddhism and his own thoughts and feelings that are worthwhile to experience.
It also provides him with an opportunity to reflect on the other groups of people that he teaches Yoga, Buddhism and meditation to as volunteer in Cambodia, those being prisoners in the local prison, former drug and substance abusers under the care and authority of the local provincial police and young high school students who may benefit from learning about Yoga.
It is interesting to see disabled people work so hard to improve their lives, while individuals who have no kind of disability at all abuse themselves with drugs.
It once again shows us that the greatest handicaps we may have as individuals are not ones in our body, but ones in our mind, words, actions, habits and behaviors.
Another interesting point of contrast to reflect on is how one holds one spine. The drug and substance abusers can sit cross - legged with no problem, but their spine and back is not straight, strong or relaxed, whereas the young high school students sit with their back and spine straight.
When this writer first came to Asia some twenty years, he was exposed to an old Chinese saying that many of you may have heard at one time or another. It goes “I was sad because I had no shoes, until I saw the man who had no feet”.
Perhaps the experience of working with and teaching Yoga, Buddhism and meditation to these unfortunate people who have been injured and disabled by land mines, or through birth, disease and injury have suffered a disability, teaches me this every time I see them.
In addition, it reminds me the importance of treasuring our health, body and this gift of life and acting with understanding and compassion to all people, just as the Yoga and Buddhism teachings advise us to.
©2006 John C. Kimbrough
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© Contributing Authors (opinions and advice belong to the respective authors) |
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John Kimbrough on Teaching Yoga in Southeast Asia
